Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi left in the cold for now

Bharatiya Janata Party veterans LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi — party’s faces since Ayodhya days — may have to wait for a while to get a ‘suitable’ accommodation.

While Advani was never in the contention for a ministerial berth, Joshi was apparently interested in getting into the ministry. Their names were considered at one point of time for the Lok Sabha speaker’s post, but the idea did not take off.

Modi, apparently, is considering choosing between eight-time MPs Sumitra Mahajan (Indore) and Karia Munda (Khunti) as the next speaker of the Lok Sabha.

“If Joshi agrees to accept governor’s post, the party may accommodate him in any prominent Raj Bhavan, but that decision has to be taken by Joshi,” a BJP leader said.

Joshi was apparently also considered for deputy chairman of Planning Commission.

Advani is likely to be made the NDA chairman, replacing ailing Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to continue as the guiding light for the ruling coalition.

At present, he is the working chairperson of the NDA. President Pranab Mukhejree’s term ends in July 2017 and some BJP leaders feel Advani could be considered for that post.